Braves plan to put Martín Pérez on injured list due to lower back inflammation

The Atlanta Braves have decided to place left-handed pitcher Martín Pérez on the 15-day injured list due to lower back inflammation. Pérez, who has been a consistent presence in the starting rotation with a 9-9 record and 3.04 ERA this season, will likely not be available until the NL Championship Series. Braves manager Walt Weiss revealed that Pérez could be out until that point.

Fellow starter Bryce Elder, also dealing with knee surgery, is currently on the injured list and expected to miss three to four weeks. Reynaldo López, who has occasionally filled in for the rotation, is sidelined with right shoulder discomfort and has no clear return date. With Pérez, Elder and López out, the Braves are likely to field a rotation of Chris Sale, Tyler Mahle and Grant Holmes for the Wild Card Series.

Rookie JR Ritchie may serve as the fourth starter should the team advance further. Manager Weiss acknowledged that while the change is not ideal, the Braves remain focused and optimistic as they approach the postseason.